The way democracies work is that no referendum was required. In a democracy, people elect people who represent their interests, and the government makes decisions on their behalf. The Finnish legislature voted to join NATO based upon the mandate and sentiments expressed by its people. They had resisted it for over 70 years until the current insanity occurred in Ukraine instigated by Russia, or more accurately Putin, This is completely the opposite of in Russia where decisions are made from the top and forced upon the population. The rules for joining NATO are very explicit and require approval of all other member nations. Finland complied with the requirements that have long been established. They were not coerced. They were not misled. They are not irrational. Finland is a country that has always been very sensitive to relations with its belligerent neighbor. This was an extraordinary step taken strictly because Russia has now become an existential threat to Finland, not just Ukraine and Russia’s other neighbors. You really don’t understand democracy very well do you?